Looking Black On Today In 1992, We Say Goodbye To The Huxtable’s; 21 Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About The Cosby Show

The Cosby Show has stood as a TV classic since its final episode aired more than 20 years ago. We enjoyed eight years of magic, love and laughter with the Huxtable family. Check out these21 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About “The Cosby Show”

1. There were originally only four Huxtable kids, but producers later added Sondra to represent “a successful child who could live on her own.”

Sondra entered the show halfway through the first season.

2. The role of Sondra was almost played by a 21-year-old Whitney Houston.

But casting chose Sabrina Le Beauf because she had more theater experience.

3. Phylicia Rashad is only 10 years older than Sabrina Le Beauf, her onscreen daughter.

Getty / NBC

4. Rudy was originally going to be a son, but casting a boy proved too difficult, so they let girls audition.

Getty / NBC

5. Cliff’s name was originally Clifford, but at the end of the series he was referred to as Heathcliff.

Getty / NBC

6. Bill Cosby was inspired by I Love Lucy and wanted Clair to be Dominican, so she could go off on Spanish tirades when angry.

Phylicia Rashad, who was fluent in Spanish, won the role by demonstrating her language skills, but this idea was dropped before the pilot was taped.

7. Raven-Symoné originally auditioned for Bill Cosby’s Ghost Dad, but she was too young for the part. Cosby liked her so much, he gave her a role on his TV show.